Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 on Nintendo Switch lands as a dependable living-room party pick, mainly because it’s fast to set up, easy to learn, and packed with a wide spread of Olympic events that rotate well across groups.
Key takeaways
- Wide event variety helps keep groups engaged through short party rounds and repeat sessions, with highlights like skateboarding, surfing, sport climbing, karate, and track & field.
- Local multiplayer up to 8 players makes it a strong couch option, and the game stays accessible thanks to motion controls or button controls using single or dual Joy-Con setups.
- Fan service is a clear strength: a large Mario and Sonic roster plus playful animations give matches a lively, party-friendly vibe.
- 10 nostalgic 2D events add a distinct retro mode that’s more timing-focused, creating a nice pace shift from the standard 3D events.
- Best value tends to show up on family game nights; story mode depth and motion-control accuracy can draw mixed reactions depending on the group.
Party-Friendly Olympic Fun with Tons of Events
I use Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 as a go-to party pick because it packs variety and stays easy to start. It holds a 4.7 out of 5 star rating based on 12,083 reviews and carries an Everyone 10+ rating. I rotate events like skateboarding, surfing, sport climbing, karate, archery, gymnastics, judo, boxing, marathon, football, equestrian, and track & field to keep groups engaged.
Multiplayer that works in real rooms
I set it up for up to 8 players, then choose motion controls or button play with single or dual Joy-Con. I like pairing it with the Nintendo Switch gray Joy-Cons or the neon Joy-Con set. I bounce between single-player, local multiplayer, and online play. Check current pricing and availability at Amazon here!
Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 – Nintendo Switch
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Classic Characters and a Nice Retro Twist
I get a satisfying mix of familiar faces and smart fan service here. The roster covers the staples I expect—Mario, Luigi, Sonic, Tails, Yoshi, Amy Rose, Waluigi, Dr. Eggman, and plenty more—so I can pick a favorite without feeling boxed in. Character animations stay playful, and the variety helps parties feel fresh even after a few sessions.
Why the 2D events stand out
I keep coming back to the retro angle because it changes the rhythm of play. The game includes 10 nostalgic 2D events, and they land as quick, readable challenges that reward timing over button-mashing. For setup, I like having the right hardware vibe; I’ve compared options like the Nintendo Switch gray Joy-Cons or the Switch V2 neon set depending on who’s playing. For collectors and throwback fans, I also enjoy pairing the mood with a shelf piece like this LEGO Super Mario Game Boy retro set review.
Check current pricing and availability at Amazon here!
Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 – Nintendo Switch
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Great for Families, Mixed Opinions on Depth and Value
This one lands best as a living-room party pick. Kids jump in fast, adults stay engaged, and the motion-control events usually get the biggest laughs when friends rotate in and out. Character variety helps too, since different favorites keep everyone invested across a long session.
What I’d expect from real-world play
Here’s how the feedback tends to break down in practice:
- Family appeal: Great “all-ages” energy, especially in short rounds with a group.
- Motion controls: Often the highlight for parties, though a few events can feel fiddly depending on space and player comfort.
- Character roster: Plenty of recognizable picks, which makes replay nights easier to sell.
- Story mode depth: Reactions split; some finish it quickly and want tougher goals or more variety.
- Ease of play: Some find menus and challenges straightforward, while others hit friction and need a few sessions to click.
- Value: Opinions vary; I treat it as worth it if it replaces a few family game nights.
My practical buy advice
I pair it with the right hardware and vibe. Joy-Con comfort matters for motion play, so I like the gray Joy-Con Switch setup or the neon Switch V2 bundle. For a fun retro side-pick, I also keep an eye on the LEGO Mario Game Boy set for display talk. Check current pricing and availability at Amazon here!
Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 – Nintendo Switch
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Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
From San Jose, California. Former IT support lead who has seen unspeakable things plugged into USB ports. Reviews electronics with zero patience for bad firmware.
